Yesterday was a gloomy day here in the desert. It’s quite unusual for gray, overcast sky to prevail for any length of time in the southwest, but prevail they did for almost the entire day. In the campground where I spent the night, rows of monster RV’s, with plates of black, shiny, solar panels reaching from their roofs, were denied Arizona’s most natural resource – sunshine. I was denied the warmth of a solar bath.
I stayed last night at the Imperial Dam LTVA, a few miles north of Yuma. Of all the LTVA campgrounds I’ve been to, this one is certainly equipped with the most services. Flush toilets, trash service, drinking water, 4 dumping stations, and even showers (as long as you like cold showers), were situated in the main parking area. The only drawback for me was the absence of any cell signal. I tried every knoll and knob but to kno avail.
This morning I moved a few miles north to a place called Fishers Landing. There is a dry camping area, equipped with restrooms, showers, and a small store nearby. I will stay here for a couple of days and then inch slowly back toward Quartzsite.
While passing from CA into AZ, the road takes you by the Yuma Army Proving Grounds, a desolate Army base, built by design in the harsh conditions of the desert. The base was and is one of the major places used to train soldiers and test equipment in the extreme environment of the desert.
Tanks
A few miles from the base is a display, featuring all types of war machines. I stopped and spent an hour or so browsing rows of obsolete tanks, rocket launchers, and howitzers. It was quite interesting to read their statistics and how they were used.
Go to the main gate at the Proving Grounds and they will give you a temporary pass to go on the base. Don’t ride your motorcycle unless you have all the gear, including boots that go over the ankles and gloves. There is a nice convenience store and gas station there. They also have a museum you can visit. It is very worthwhile.
I saw the sign telling of the museum inside the base. I hesitate to see everything on this trip – I need reasons to return.